Hello: Keith Lehmann (baseball)

After getting a commit from Prep Baseball Report's #14 prospect in the state of Illinois in the 2013 class, Nick Kowalczuk, a couple of weeks ago, Erik Bakich has followed up by nabbing the player ranked #5 in that state, Keith Lehmann. This latest commit was reported earlier today by PBR:

EDIT: His PBR profile lists his fastball at 87-90 mph. Here's part of their scouting report:

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Lehmann was impressive in all facets of the game, but perhaps his biggest upside is on the mound. His arm works with little effort, as he sat 84-85 mph with his fastball, topping at 86, and with sink. He also showed advanced feel for his 74-75 mph changeup, which had run and sink as well. . . . Overall, Lehmann looks to be a high-level prospect—both as a pitcher and as a position player.

That all-around game will help Lehmann at the next level, wherever that may be. For now, he’s received offers from Big Ten schools among others.

“He can play catcher, he can probably play any position,” [coach George] Ushela said. “He could be an outfielder easily.”

Part of that versatility comes from Lehmann’s mindset. He typically played third base in the field this year, but doesn’t view pitching much differently than any other position.

“I kind of just look at pitching as another position and when you move up you’re usually just a pitcher, but I’m hopefully looking to play the field in college if I play and pitch,” Lehmann said. “I really wasn’t even really a good pitcher up until I got to high school and I realized I could throw hard and then I learned some pitches and got it done.”

I'm no expert on baseball recruiting, but Lehmann seems like a pretty good commit given the circumstances. First of all, he's not necessarily going to pitch at the college level. Also, Bakich has been on the job all of what--six weeks? And in that time, he's gotten several commits from the Midwest--an area of the country he probably never recruited before. According to Prep Baseball Report, Lehmann was "the most coveted prospect remaining in Illinois." Having gotten such a late start on 2013 recruiting, I think Bakich is doing very well.

It's called building a program. To criticize Bakich's recruiting thus far is ignorant and asinine.

To address your point anyways, speed is not as big of a factor if you have movement on your pitches. Look at Doug Fister. Tops out at around 91 but he has such good and late movement that he's effective. I'm not even saying Lehmann is like Fister, but to criticize a kid you've never seen play is moronic.